Tykes target El-Abd

Barnsley have made attempts to entice in limbo Albion defender Adam El-Abd up to South Yorkshire.

The long-serving Seagulls stalwart has yet to sign a one-year deal offered by the club following the expiration of his contract at the Amex, and Tykes boss David Flitcroft is keen to take advantage.

Talks have been held over a potential switch to Oakwell, with Flitcroft making no secret of his admiration for the 28-year-old Egyptian international.

He told the Sheffield Telegraph, "We met with Adam and we've spoken to him about him signing for us.

"We've showed him what we're trying to do at the club, and he's a player I've liked for a long time. I played against him for Rochdale and he's a player with good pedigree.

"There are changes at Brighton at the moment, so we'll have to see whether a deal can be done."

The move would appear an odd one at first glance, with El-Abd seeming the closest Albion have to a one-club man, having racked up over 300 appearances after graduating through the youth team.

However, he's coming to that age now where financial security and regular playing time become of increasing importance - especially with a World Cup place with Egypt potentially up for grabs.

This comes after Barnsley lodged a rather less realistic bid to sign Albion captain Gordon Greer last summer, with the Yorkshire club seeing a derisory offer immediately rejected by a slightly insulted Seagulls board.

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